WWYD, DH wants to get rid of our cat

[TaRhLi.]

Thanks for your replies.

DD hurts her brothers she almost broke DS2 nose the other week and DS1 is a biter but he doesn't talk about rehoming them , so because the cat has done this 3 times in 3 years - which I think shows a very tolerant cat in my opinion - he needs to be rehomed.

Oh and it's my fault because he is my cat, I had him from a kitten and met DH when he was 1 so even though he has been part of my life for 10yrs and DH's for 9yr's the risk is too high. I'll just have to tell him that I will do a weekly ritual of clipping his claws and he has to help with teaching DD about being more gentle or to leave the cat alone.

[Rivlas]

Just an observation so don't shoot me....

When we were in Canada years ago many of the cats were declawed as they were inside all the time due to the weather. The people we were staying with said it was common and the cat was quite happy so not sure if it's a bad thing or not.

[TaRhLi.]

Just an observation so don't shoot me....

When we were in Canada years ago many of the cats were declawed as they were inside all the time due to the weather. The people we were staying with said it was common and the cat was quite happy so not sure if it's a bad thing or not.

I've read up on declawing and it seems to be very painful for the cats as the claw is actually attached to bone so basically they are breaking the bone to remove the claw, and for the sake of me keeping his claws clipped and teaching DD to be more gentle I wouldn't want to put him through that.

[beansbeans!]

I have friends who clip their nails, they use a animal nail clipper and their cats never seem to even notice that they are been clipped. I know that you only cut to a particular point, like with humans, but their cats dont seem to mind it. Actually our boy was clipped when he had to have a visit with the vet for a few days. He went crazy on them, so when they knocked him out they clipped his claws so he was less likely to harm them when getting him out of the cage, which they were never able to do, they had to call us for that job.


edit, whoops I thought you meant clipping not declawing.. Declawing sounds harsh. Wonder if they meant clipping but called it declawing, cause that sounds like the equilavent to docking tails. imo

[Arimeh]

I have two cats that we got before having kids. They have scratched the kids a few times but nothing serious. I certainly wouldn't be getting rid of the cat, it teaches kids that they aren't toys - they will retaliate when they have had enough of toddler treatment.

My kids hurt each other more than the cats do but I'm not looking to rehome them

[LizLemon]

The others have pretty much said it but please don't get rid of your cat. Pets should be members of the family and there are always other options than getting rid of them. As you said you wouldn't get rid of one of the kids!

I don't see how it's your fault though, just because it's your cat.

[Heaven]

Nope, I'm with you, I wouldn't get rid of the cat. Ok, the cat scratched her and it was unfortunate it was near her eye but it was just scratching after being pushed and wasn't deliberately thinking 'I'll scratch her eyes out, that will have the most impact' ROFL.

If it was a dog that bit your child or a cat that was going psycho and attacking them every day then yeah, get rid of it. But 3 scratches in 3 years is no big deal IMO. Every time we visit my Aunty my kids get cat scratches because they are annoying the cat, I assume they will learn soon, we still visit.

[Cally]

Nope, keep your cat. Kids have to learn to be nice to animals and having one at home is the best option. The kids will learn as they get older.

[Three Graces]

There's something that you can put on their claws, so that they're not so sharp. The resident cat at our old vet had them - hot pink, soft plastic covers that stayed on, as this cat used to sit on the reception desk and swipe at dogs and owners too. I'm sure you can choose a different colour. Much better option than de-clawing or getting rid of your pet of 10 years. Which would only teach your children than pets are dispensable when you get sick of them, rather than teaching them to treat them gently, with respect etc.